I think there are a number of specific areas where Leap Motion can be interesting.
For example, there are some startups that use Kinect to let surgeon interact with a screen showing patient data during an operation.
Some researchers have also proposed the use of gesture recognition in the context of a worker having to follow precise instructions for some complex task. Leap motion + Google Glass could be an interesting combo for interactive training.
I'm sure there are other areas. But I agree with your comment and I fail to see the mass market use case. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong :-)
Leap wants an unspecified cut if you make one of these:
"Specialized Application" means an Application which is: (i) sold, licensed, leased, or otherwise disposed of for a list price of more than US$500 or local equivalent, or more than US$240 per year or local equivalent if on a subscription, lease or similar basis; (ii) sold, licensed, leased or otherwise disposed of as part of, or for use with, another application, system, machine or device (other than a personal computer), having a list price of more than US$500 or local equivalent, or more than US$240 per year or local equivalent if on a subscription, lease or similar basis; (iii) designed for use, or that is primarily used, with or for control, whether direct or indirect, of industrial, commercial, military or medical equipment.
That (iii) including "industrial" or "commercial" equipment could be interpreted very broadly. In other words, sorry, can't use a Leap to control the lights in a conference room, upscale club, or retail store without special permission from Leap.
I think your right, that it might be prove useful in edge cases and custom application scenarios. But as a consumer product, it's just confusing at the moment.
I make mobile applications for kids and I made a prototype of one of our games for some kids to work with, but even after a tutorial it was hard for kids to pick it up.
I think there is something very human about being able to physically interact with things. And it is extremely hard to break that barrier.
For example, there are some startups that use Kinect to let surgeon interact with a screen showing patient data during an operation. Some researchers have also proposed the use of gesture recognition in the context of a worker having to follow precise instructions for some complex task. Leap motion + Google Glass could be an interesting combo for interactive training.
I'm sure there are other areas. But I agree with your comment and I fail to see the mass market use case. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong :-)